I want to know what happens if I get a panic attack on board an airplane?
John.
Hi John,
Well, to answer your short and precise question, I would like to elaborate a little more for the benefit of others.
The American Medical Association states that, amongst the common medical problems that can occur on board an airplane is another condition, caused by the slight decreased level of carbon dioxide (CO2) intake. Although CO2 is not required for us to survive, the body monitors this gas so as to maintain a balanced body system. When there is a drop in CO2, the body natural response is to increase the breathing rate. Because there is nothing to compensate for, there is a tendency for some who are already stressed up due either to fear or excitement, to over breathing or hyperventilation. This phenomenon is sometimes described as panic attack.
The body reaction trigger by panic attacks can be quite similar to that of heart attacks. For some, the symptoms would be breathlessness, tingling or numbness in the limbs, looking pale or appearing ill. Often, these led to the mistaken belief that the passenger may be suffering from a heart attack. Application of oxygen by the crew may worsen the condition rather than improve it.
So, if you do suffer panic attack on board the airplane, the solution is rather simple. Remember, you usually exhale more carbon dioxide than there is available in the air. So, by simply rebreathing your own exhaled breath, you can overcome panic attack within a minute or so. How to do it? Make use of the airsick bag in the rear seat pocket in front of you. Place the airsick bag over the mouth and nose and breathe normally. You should recover from your panic attacks within a short period!
Have a panic-free and smooth flight in your next journey!
i tried that but it didnt seem to work. i felt like i was going to die
rey ,
28 Dec, 2009
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yeah i suffer panic attacks but i get that feeling like im going to die sometimes paper bag help sometimes it doesn't
tony ,
19 Apr, 2010
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hi rey and tony, if the paper doesn't look for you both, what did u guys do when u guys suffered a panic attack on the plane? or how you overcomes with it?
lisa ,
20 May, 2010
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i had a panick attack on the plain, it was the worst feeling ive ever felt. i want so much to travel but i cant go on a plain ever again... anybody knows of any good medication? something that puts you asleep for at least 3 hrs?
babs ,
27 May, 2010
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Panic attacks on planes...
Hi all, I often have anticipatory anxiety BEFORE I know I have to fly (hence my reason for being on this site...I have a transatlantic flight in 2 days). I find that xanax is the best thing for me. Take it about 45 minutes before the flight and repeat every few hours if it doesn't do the trick.
Lauri ,
15 Jun, 2010
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Ya I had a really bad panic attack on a plane. My vision went, hands locked into a ridiculous position and so on. I had to breathe into a paper bag for the last two hours of the flight. On the plus side got moved to first class. I'm going to be taking a plane again soon, hopefully drugs will help.
j ,
21 Jun, 2010
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Don't Worry....
Panic attack is your body's way of telling you "Get Out Now".... It's all in your head. I have been suffering from Panic attacks for a long time, (never had one in flight) but it's exactly the same. What i do in this case is keep on telling myself to RELAX and that it is all in my head and nothing medically is wrong with me. Panic attacks are just your body producing a lot more adrenalin than normal. That's why you get these nasty feelings. Hope that helps, i am still trying to overcome fear of flying myself.
Mike
Mike ,
24 Jun, 2010
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Help!
I'm going on a plane in 3 days and i've never ever been so frightened in my life. I'm only 16 and the doctor has given me pills but i'm still terrified. What should I do if I get really bad?
Sam ,
30 Jul, 2010
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Panic attacks
I fly out on Sunday and find myself building fear. The thought of getting on the plane and the door closing is not going to be an easy task to overcome. There is one video on youtube that really helped me. It is a guy that explains that no one has ever died from a panic attack and to remind yourself that you will be okay. Anyone who is reading this knows that it does feel like death is about to take place but please realize you will make it through. I also feel better knowing that I am not alone..
